Welcome to Texas justice: You might beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Unlikely Voices: Families of sex offender registrants organizing

I was pleased yesterday to get to spend a little time with Mary Sue Molnar and the folks at Texas Voices (a group made up of families of registered sex offenders) at their statewide conference here in Austin. By the time I showed up in the late morning there were perhaps 60-70 folks there; I walked in just in time to hear most of their legislative update.

They were, of course, all devastated at Governor Perry's veto of legislation to allow defendants to petition judges in Romeo and Juliet cases to be taken off the registry. But this was the first legislative session they'd even been involved as a newly formed group and that same bill could probably pass again whenever it's somebody else's turn to be Governor. In the meantime, about 100 new people per month are being placed on Texas' sex offender registry, Molnar reported to the group.

I enjoyed meeting quite a few readers and appreciated the invitation.

For a variety of reasons, despite the fact that they theoretically represent a lot of folks, inmate family groups have enjoyed notoriously little success pushing their interests at the Texas state capitol, much less families of sex offenders. But Texas sex offender registration laws are now so over the top - to the point where a registered sex offender can't legally drive across town for fear of passing a school or community center and violating parole - that I sense a growing bipartisan consensus at the Legislature that this is an area ripe for reform.

Though being tuff on sex offenders is all the rage among politicians at election time, a lot of folks around the Texas capitol from both parties will agree with you in private that the registry fails to adequately distinguish between dangerous rapists and pedophiles and people who committed less serious offenses. Indeed, this year's vetoed legislation to allow judges to approve de-registration in Romeo and Juliet cases was filed by Republican Todd Smith, an indication that concerns about overreach in this area don't necessarily fall along party lines.

The group at Texas Voices have a tough row to hoe, and for the family members it's not one they've chosen. I'm glad to see them getting organized. Nobody else is going to fight these battles for them and the issue deserves more focused advocacy than its heretofore received.

I am so sick of hearing about RDO's being called Internet predators that I have started a social network for RSO's, their loved ones, supporters and those that believe in 2nd chances. It is restricted to anyone 18 and over.Many of us don't care about social net working but I am asking people to join to show support for the idea. All I need is a name or screen name and DOB. Then, those that want, can walk away and forget about it.In this forum there are no labels, no scarlet letters and no activism. Respect for the law and for one another are the rules for anyone who actually want to network.This is starting out with bare basics but I hope it outgrows me and the site I have set up.I need your support in making this work. Please invest your name and birthday in a project that should be favored by all. That is all I am asking for.www.humdinger.ning.comIf this idea grows maybe we can attract all RSO's from other networking sites. A minute of your time would be greatly appreciated.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, there are over 56,000 individuals on the Texas Sex Offender registry. Are we to assume they are all dangerous, violent predators. It's time to stop this hysteria and reset the registry. Law enforcement are streched to the limit, monitoring those who pose no threat to children or society in general. Tax dollars are wasted incarcerating hundreds, possibly thousands who committed misdemeanor type offenses. Time for change folks. Let go of the "stranger danger" myth and replace with common sense.

Oh, by the way. Thank you so much Scott for attending our conference. Honestly, you are a good looking guy! For some reason, I had always pictured you as an older man with grey hair (hehe). We were more than honored to meet you.

This is an excellent read and every citizen of each state needs to read this and after doing so, WRITE EVERY MEMBER OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE AT BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS AND DEMAND THEY ONLY PASS LAWS THAT ARE "EVIDENCE BASED. NOT FEAR based, NOT "Emotionally" based because as in this case. "Emotions definitely lacks intelligence."

Why? Because the laws as they are written "DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD." These laws are wasteing BILLIONS and BILLIONS of tax payers hard earned money and they PROTECT NO ONE! These laws are insane. They DON'T WORK!!

This is an excellent read and every citizen of each state needs to read this and after doing so, WRITE EVERY MEMBER OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE AT BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS AND DEMAND THEY ONLY PASS LAWS THAT ARE "EVIDENCE BASED. NOT FEAR based, NOT "Emotionally" based because as in this case. "Emotions definitely lacks intelligence."

Why? Because the laws as they are written "DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD." These laws are wasteing BILLIONS and BILLIONS of tax payers hard earned money and they PROTECT NO ONE! These laws are insane. They DON'T WORK!!

We need to do a study here in TX on the effects of these hideous laws. The laws as they are harm more people than ever imagined. the families of RSOs are punished right along with the offenders. Their children are harassed, ridiculed, beat up and bullied at school. This has got to stop and we need some common sense laws. Maybe TX voices could add some expertise to our legislators on this topic. Elvis Presley was a sex offender.

I have a difficult time believing that our legislators do not know the difference between a child molester and a teenager who has consensual sex with a younger teenager. I also have a difficult time understanding how anyone can justify putting a kid on the registry and list the address and the school the kid attends. I believe it has far more to do with money and politics than public safety.

I attended several committee hearings this year. I am concerned with legislators like Tan Parker. Parker authored HB 1091which would require a registered sex offender's driver's license state that the holder is a registered sex offender.

Tan Parker assured the committee that his bill would not affect the "star crossed lovers" (Romeo/Juliet) or those who were juveniles when they committed an offense. This is not true. Apparently, Parker doesn't know that the current laws and registry do not differentiate between a dangerous predator and the "star-crossed lover."

I was honored to meet the author of this blog who is very intellectual and well liked by Texas Voices members as well as mary Duval of CFCOklahoma. His presence as he spoke taught us many things regarding our work as advocates as we work to create change for our families and loved ones who are the collateral damage to these laws which are unconstitutional and a violation of Human and civil rights. Hats off to RSOL and TX Voices for a job well done and may we continue our work to create change for all and bring back the Romeo bill next legislation so we can help our young as one small step to a larger picture. The fact is we must educate politicians, law enforcement, citizens to the facts of these laws so we can truly protect children. Thanks again Grits for Breakfast and TX voices Mary duval www.rickyslife.com and www.sosen.us and www.cfcoklahoma.org Please check these sites for updates to our guest appearances on www.americansrealitycheck.com radio show

While I'm opposed to the draconian sex offender laws of Texas, I do not think there should be any "Romeo and Juliet" exemption.

It just adds age discrimination to the evil of offender registration. A law is both stupid and offensive that limits a woman's lovers to those near her age while insulting and compromising the rights of older men. There is nothing in the bible, human history or the Constitution that justifies such discriminatory treatment.

Indeed, both the bible and history are replete with instances of older men hooking up with teenage women! (Of course the argument holds for older women and teenage boys as well.)

I'm glad you were at the meeting to hear the Texas Voices and the SMART people there who know what they are doing and fighting for. My son was an "internet chat" person and will be on the registry for 25 years and never met the teenager he chatted with. He is a Level II "offender" and never had a "victim". Amazing that everyone thinks that all on the registry are pedophiles or rapists. Of course I thought the same thing until my son was arrested for what I thought to be ridiculous charges. Not so! He got 3 years prison and the registry until he's 50 something. It has destroyed not just HIS life but his sisters, his grandparents (all 6 of them), his parents and aunts, uncles and his nieces. These laws have gone FAR FAR overboard and especially consensual behavior like the chat (they call it solicitation, what a joke that is) and consensual behavior and now the legislators have gone so far as to even TOUCHING a teen or kissing one is a registerable offense. Do they even know that? I doubt it, they don't seem to know much about the laws they are passing. Floors me. Mr. Grits, I wish you were Governor :)

Let me encourage each of us, myself included, to send research articles to our reps and senators on the state level and have active conversations with them on the phone regarding the evidence based research. Keep calling. These people are passing laws based on "fear" and myths and it must stop because it is no different than burning women at the stake for being a witch because she knows how to read.-- Sandra

Now folks lets not get carried away on this Grits for Governor thing! Scott has way too much integrity to be a politician. Becoming a politician would sully Scott's reputation considerably. Even if Scott could withstand the temptation of large amounts of cash in brown paper sacks the stigma of having been an elected official in Texas would be a lifelong stain on his personal record of honesty. Like the old Texas saying , "If you walk in the hen yard you are going to get some of on your foot sooner or later." applies here.

Should Scott decide to run for Governor I would be one of his supporters.

I used to work with teens who had been convicted as sex offenders for consensual sex with the girl friend who was younger. I can tell you 99.99% of them are not sex offenders. Having worked with real sex offenders I can tell you there is a major difference. Not all of the adult sex offenders are predators. The Texas sex offender laws are not performance based and should be called in for a major reworking. The politicians might want to consult some of the professionals who actually work with sex offenders before the pass anymore laws that don't do anyone any good.

Term limits might take the pressure off of politicians and allow them to make good decisions that actually make a positive impact on society!

Thanks for the article Scott---people really need to know the truth about so many Texans, and US citizens for that matter, that are being labeled "Sex Offenders" for consensual sex or based on "no physical evidence."

Thanks for the article, Scott. Thank God for Texans such as you and Mary Sue.Everyone wants to protect children, but the sex offender laws today do not accomplish their intent. Research clearly shows that the laws that were written in the wake of a horrific crime against a child are ineffective. Taxpayer money is wasted with little or nothing to show for it but heartache for those caught in the too wide net spread by such laws. It makes no sense to so severely punish teens and young adults for doing what they have always done and will always do, whether we approve or not.Question: Are 100 names added to the Texas registry monthly or weekly? I thought it was weekly but could not locate that info.

Here is the Remedy!! found at www.stoptyranny.usFRCP 5.1 Declare the Sex Registry List "UNCONSTITUTIONAL." II. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION > Rule 5.1 Prev | NextRule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute - Notice, Certification, and Intervention Rule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute - Notice, Certification, and Intervention(a) Notice by a Party.A party that files a pleading, written motion, or other paper drawing into question the constitutionality of a federal or state statute must promptly:

(1) file a notice of constitutional question stating the question and identifying the paper that raises it, if:

(A) a federal statute is questioned and the parties do not include the United States, one of its agencies, or one of its officers or employees in an official capacity; or

(B) a state statute is questioned and the parties do not include the state, one of its agencies, or one of its officers or employees in an official capacity; and

(2) serve the notice and paper on the Attorney General of the United States if a federal statute is questioned — or on the state attorney general if a state statute is questioned — either by certified or registered mail or by sending it to an electronic address designated by the attorney general for this purpose.

(b) Certification by the Court.The court must, under 28 U.S.C. § 2403, certify to the appropriate attorney general that a statute has been questioned.

(c) Intervention; Final Decision on the Merits.Unless the court sets a later time, the attorney general may intervene within 60 days after the notice is filed or after the court certifies the challenge, whichever is earlier. Before the time to intervene expires, the court may reject the constitutional challenge, but may not enter a final judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.

No Forfeiture.A party’s failure to file and serve the notice, or the court’s failure to certify, does not forfeit a constitutional claim or defense that is otherwise timely asserted.http://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/Rule5_1.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/civilrights/color.htm During Fiscal Year 2005, the FBI investigated more than 1,100 color of law cases. Most of these crimes fall into five broad areas: • excessive force; • sexual assaults; • false arrest and fabrication of evidence; • deprivation of property; and • failure to keep from harm. Excessive force: In making arrests, maintaining order, and defending life, law enforcement officers are allowed to use whatever force is "reasonably" necessary. The breadth and scope of the use of force is vast—from just the physical presence of the officer…to the use of deadly force. Violations of federal law occur when it can be shown that the force used was willfully "unreasonable" or "excessive." Sexual assaults by officials acting under color of law can happen in jails, during traffic stops, or in other settings where officials might use their position of authority to coerce an individual into sexual compliance. The compliance is generally gained because of a threat of an official action against the person if he or she doesn’t comply.False arrest and fabrication of evidence: The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right against unreasonable searches or seizures. A law enforcement official using authority provided under the color of law is allowed to stop individuals and, under certain circumstances, to search them and retain their property. It is in the abuse of that discretionary power—such as an unlawful detention or illegal confiscation of property—that a violation of a person's civil rights may occur. Fabricating evidence against or falsely arresting an individual also violates the color of law statute, taking away the person’s rights of due process and unreasonable seizure. In the case of deprivation of property, the color of law statute would be violated by unlawfully obtaining or maintaining a person’s property, which oversteps or misapplies the official’s authority. The Fourteenth Amendment secures the right to due process; the Eighth Amendment prohibits the use of cruel and unusual punishment. During an arrest or detention, these rights can be violated by the use of force amounting to punishment (summary judgment). The person accused of a crime must be allowed the opportunity to have a trial and should not be subjected to punishment without having been afforded the opportunity of the legal process.Failure to keep from harm: The public counts on its law enforcement officials to protect local communities. If it’s shown that an official willfully failed to keep an individual from harm, that official could be in violation of the color of law statute.Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 8. e) No technical forms of pleading or motions are required.

Texas legislation is detroying to many young lives.When they have kids on the registry and the localnewspaper prints who the sex offenders are, and then the wholeschool knows, it becomes to much of a burden on them.They drop out and detach themselves from society,and go down the wrong road.Young people who are not sex offenders but just kids who are branded as if they were some hidious preditorby some of the most inhumane laws since public hanging.Family membersand siblings are also scrutinized and have to suffer from the consequences.These kids are deniedthe fundamental right to an education.My heart goes out to allthese people and thier families for the torment they have endured.My god,it seems to me the real child molesters are our legislaters.Gov.Perry is so out of touch,so many anticipated 3148 would pass,Perry probably didn't even look at the bill.He is no better then George Bush who signed a bill in early 1998 for harsher penalties for juvenile offenders,and in the years that followed more kids were assaulted and molested in the Texas Youth Commission then any where else.So therefore, Shapiro, Perry, Bush,and the whole lot of them are childmolesters and sex offenders. We the people need to become radicaland bring Texas out of the dark ages, and may the lawmakers burn in hell.

This past weekend RSOL convention was the most well organized and informative convention of any kind I have attended. This leaves me to believe this tidal wave of cruelty of laws by these Politian's will soon come to an end. It's only a mater of time when one of their loved ones will end up on the registry. Then they will rethink this stupidity. Politian's come and go, however this registry grows. Thank you to all the organizers and professonals that attended.

If you want to know why our laws are so crazy look at the requirements for GRANTS. It is a simple fact of MONEY. This is from the Bryne Justice Assistance website of the Dept of Justice. IT'S THE MONEY!!To be eligible for Truth-in-Sentencing Incentive funds, a state with a determinate sentencing structure had to have demonstrated any one of the following: (1) the implementation of truth-in-sentencing laws that require persons convicted of a Part 1 violent crime to serve not less than 85 percent of the sentence imposed;.......

It's so wonderful to hear so many sensible voices, but I would point out that this isn't just a Texas problem, but one of national proportions. From the Romeo & Juliet law and the registry to every accused innocent man who took a deal to avoid a longer sentence. “Sex Crimes” have become our main guilty until proven innocent crime in this nation and once the accusation is made, despite the lack of evidence or a complaining witness, the life of the accused as well as their entire family is ruined.

Florida has passed so many living restriction laws, they are “housing” people on the registry under a bridge in what in reality is no more than a shanty town. The registry rules in general forbid contact with one's own children in most cases despite the nature of the crime. It restricts travel, work, worship, turns entire families into pariahs and in some cases has even cost the life of the one on the registry while endangering that of his family. As shown by a case in Maine in which a man randomly chose names off the public registry with the intention of killing a sex offender, any sex offender regardless of the nature of the crime.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1617207/posts

Let's not forget that an entire lobbying industry has sprouted out of the registry laws and they do fight to protect their income. Junk science treatment programs required by the State again despite the nature of the crime are no more than abuse themselves. Electronic monitoring systems that don't function properly create parole violations and with longer and longer sentences on first time offenders the State also gets their cut.

“And the insanity spreads, instituting a new war on children and on young people and their sexuality. The youngest person now required to register is six years old and 4-year olds are being charged with sexual harassment.”

http://www.counterpunch.org/shannon07102007.html

The extremes these laws have gone to have well passed the absurd. Looking at the Romeo & Juliet laws and the registry are just a beginning. A complete change in the laws and how the justice system functions in regards to these laws is long overdue.

There are several ways to fix this registry. One of which is actually put in place all of things that were promised. The evaluation tools to truly find those of us that are dangerous, and deal with them in a judicially sound manner. I am an rSo, I am a life time registry victim for one crime so many years ago with no other victims. However that may be, I will remain on it until death. Why is that?

I harbor no fantasies that there are those of us in the world that truly are a menace to society and need to be dealt with. There are documented ways to find the dangerous ones of us and there are ways to show that the majority have changed their lives and are trying to become successful rehabilitated EX-offenders.

It is ludicrous to believe that a majority of people will become the best they can be when our elected officials continue to oppress them for past crimes, making their future bleak.

All of the people at Texas Voices- don't give up. I am shocked to see that Governor Perry vetoed this legislation last session. Oh, to be a teenager in this day and age- be careful. There are many irrational laws out there- that do more harm than good. Keep pressing forward, for our kids sake (yes, I mean the 'sex offenders' who were, in most cases- simply being teens). Kudos to Republican (no doubt!!) representative Todd Smith who introduced this legislation.

Unless you are involved in this nightmare, you have no idea of how far reaching the effects are. My son was arrested for internet 'sexual performance of a minor'. His performance? Use of a webcam and a game of I'll show you mine if you show me yours. This happened when he was 25. His original charge was deferred with a 10 yr. probation, with rules no human being could possibly follow. Every time he went in to check in, one of his rules had been tightened. No pornography became no visual stimulation, to include Sunday ads and billboards. How do you avoid that? The DA filed to revoke after two years and he is now in jail for one year, they say. We don't trust anything the courts or the lawyer say. But he had lost his job, was on GPS at $14 a day, was only allowed out of the house for 3 hrs a day to look for a job. He might has well have been in jail getting credit for the time. Since this all started, I have developed mental health issues, stomach issues and panic attacks. His dad has developed depression and anxiety disorders, been diagnosed with cancer and has lost his job due to the stress of it all. We know that what he did was illegal but a third degree felony? The few girls he actually talked to were over 14, and the one that they used to prosecute was a police decoy. At any point these girls could have turned off their computer; he had no control over them at all. We refuse to say that our lives are destroyed- we won't give the state that much power. But they have certainly been changed for the worse and we have no idea of what will happen when he is released. These laws have to change or there will be more people on the registry than not.

Once under the insanity of these laws life becomes a constant battle. I am the mother of two sons, it happened to them both for consensual teen sex and we have been in this battle for ten years. They were in and out of prison over this time and threatened with all kinds of crap from the system. Finally this year my oldest was done with the system except registering once a year, my youngest was done about a year and half ago. One person can say a lie and they went back for things like they were late or were'nt where they were suppose to be. No investigation every done about the lies of the people making the accusations. It all falls on the accused. And now we are back in the battle with full force fire of hell as my oldest is once again accused of a crime that he did not commit with intent or willfull acts. I live in Texas, but my sons are in MN where all this has happened. This is a National Crisis and Insanity. It does not matter where you live. We all have to fight this together. I had felt so alone in this battle for years until I found Mary's website ricky'slife. I am ready to camp out on Washington's lawn and use it as my toilet. What are they gona do throw me in jail. Great I will cause hell and ruckus there too!!

Thanks for a great article.It was a pleasure to meet you Saturday.As we all know they really do need changes made to the registry.All these young people whose lives are destroyed just dosen't make any sense.I do believe that it want be long and just about every teenager will be on that list.With the help of Texas Voices and good articles like yours,maybe we can make some changes.Thanks again for a great story.

Jail time, probation, fines and counseling, or as they call it,"treatment", were all what I expected for my crime, and with my first therapist treatment was a joke and just about the 40 dollars a session that was never ending.but losing my rights to live, work in my country of origin after I have successfully completed my sentence was not what I expected. To have a life time of restrictions was not what I was told until after the facts.

I'm appalled when I hear our politicians chastise othercountries for human rights violations against their citizens, while the U.S. currently engages in depriving their citizens of basic housing. In their endeavor for security they are unwittingly building an army of outcasts, hardened in their prisons and then released upon their streets with little or no chance of redemption.

With the decline of the economy, and the fall of America crime will inevitably increase, and with it more laws and more felons will be produced without a future to redeem themselves. A vicious cycle that will roll out of control, And when it does it will only be the politicians to blame, how can you deprive someone of a way to make a living, have a home, or have a normal life when you have so many counterproductive laws that keeps anyone from every being honest again.

Its time all sex offenders and their family’s rise up and fight for your freedom in the courts and any other means that might be justified, if we do not our children will never have a decent life. I am one who is tired of paying and paying for a crime which there is no end to the sentence.

The fear and loathing against Registered Sex Offenders that is currently considered acceptable needs to stop before additional Citizens and communities are harmed. Our Legislators need to rectify this mess they have created by bucketing ALL sexual related acts into Sex Offender Crimes. The broad brush that the Legislators have been allowed to use across our population will continue to grow until it reaches into your home and labels you and your family.The Registries need to be returned to their original intent, to list only the most dangerous, untreatable and repeat offenders.

This madness and oppression must stop, the laws have done more harm then good.If there are over 56,000sex offenders in TX. alone, thinkof thier family members, who also suffer the consequences, must be hundreds of thousands,and most of them have had no choice.It is gonefar beyond cruel and unusual punishment.There is no qualty of life for all these people,it is sosad that many people take a look at thier life and realize thier ain't nothing left. Perry is such aarrogant bastard, and never looked at the bill.The rights that are violated,civil and human is a slap in the face to our constitution.Perry proved that when he made a comment about secceding awhile back.So many are not dangerous andviolet.What makes it more horrificis all the young lives that have been destroyed,my god give the kids a break.They are denied a education,can't get jobs, can't find a place to live and thereforemust put the burden on thier families, who did not deserve this harsh punishment,but had no choice because many of the so called sex offender are juvenile's.But thier are so many others who have been sounjustly crucified,this is all about incarceration and a set up for probation violations.They wantto put as many people in prison as they can.It is a financial gain for the state,it is a racket,no better then organized crime here in TX. But I know many people are being violated in other states as well. The days of rage are coming.God bless all you poor souls.

No one wants to address the fact that the law is set to be a "one-size-fits-all" proposition: No matter what offense was committed, no matter the circumstances, all SO's are deemed perverts and locked away or made to live under conditions that are simply unimaginable. We are proud that in this state even a FANTASY is now criminal - that's right, you can fantacize yourself into a felony and the basis is that you simply agreed to an act or your crossed an imaginary line - all established by the highly trained, highly skilled police officers who make the call on the specifics. We are also okay that the police who conduct these stings are highly trained in the art of acting like teenage girls - even the 50-year old male gets specific training in projecting himself to be a teenage girl - - wait, doesnt that sound like role play (aka fantasy).

Worse yet, the police know it, the judges know it, and the probation department knows it - solicitations are, by definition, a fantasy because there is no victim, per se. So much for your constitutional right to face your accuser - the teenage girl turns out to be a 50-year old cop who is highly trained to deceive and manipulate the perpetrator (grooming) and he then encourages you to cross a line whereby you commit a felony (whatever happened to police being sworn to prevent, stop, or thwart crime?).

I am NOT advocating that the true PEDOPHILE gets a pass here, but a very small fraction of the 56,000 truly fit that profile; however, thanks to sensational press, everyone who gets nabbed makes society safer, never mind that the facts are never fully presented in the 30 second sound byte where they nab another predator.

Just as an example, take a look at § 33.021. ONLINE SOLICITATION OF A MINOR, then read subsection (d) It is not a defense to prosecution under Subsection (c)that: (1) the meeting did not occur; (2) the actor did not intend for the meeting to occur; or (3) the actor was engaged in a fantasy at the time of commission of the offense.

When pressed, even judges will agree that it is unconstitutional to punish someone for a fantasy - - if a married couple in the 50s each got on a computer at home and role-played a bit, where she is not 50, but 15, he just committed a felony in the State of Texas - all it would take is for the highly trained police to see it and deem it so - he would then be charged and his life forever ruined.

Does no one look back at our greatest generation? In that era, it was quite common for men to marry younger women and by today's standards, a huge number would be deem perverts / offenders.

Final point: I am NOT advocating that those who actually harm an actual victim should be given a pass - ever. There are hundreds of acts that are sick, twisted, and those committing them should be rehabilitated, if possible, but not at the risk of hurting others again. Surely it is time that our ELECTED officials take a look at an area of law enforcement where all crimes of this nature are treated exactly the same - age, act, and specifics make ZERO difference: Even murderers are given the benefit of an examination of all the facts, but not so for the SO.

Please look at the law I included, please consider the human costs. Some of these people are charged and commit suicide rather than face the hell they are going to endure.

Why do I know? I have a son that at 28 years old, chatted for weeks with a teenager who purported to be a 16 year old that love hanging out with men in their 20s. He was wrong, to be sure, he deserved to be punished for having such misguided beliefs - he is truly sorry for his offense, no one will give him a job, the State can now decide when (or even if) he is allowed to attend church.

Please, please contact your ELECTED officials and tell them that Texas is a state where redemption is possible, even for those who make a mistake and are sorry for what they have done......

Nebraska has now joined the ranks of other states by adding thousands of non-violent Sex offenders to the registry. LB285 was passed this year as a "state of emergency" on crime reduction and enforcement, effective Jan. 2010. Potentially thousands of non-violent, non-dangerous offenders lives have been changed once again. It is appalling to learn about the laws of our nation.

I Work in the financial department of the California government in the Sacramento office. The laws do not work and not only do we know it but several of our so-called bosses are proud of it. The money spent does not even go where it is intended. In CA it costs the taxpayers OVER $1800 per unit PER MONTH for the electronic tracking units that we use. These units are LEASED at this price and they are no more complex than a cell phone transmitter with a GPS tracking chip. A similar program is happening in Texas. And the units are bad. They are badly designed as the signals drift from area to area causing several of our parolees to be violated for technical violations that they are not even responsible for. The units are so badly designed that they are even using NiCad batteries which are prone to fail with extended use. We have recently contracted a "psycho-therapy" company, "CPC Inc." claiming OVER 30 years experience in treating sex offenders and other such "criminals" in our state and others and, going over the financial records, discovered that they did not even exist thirty days ago. I went to one of their offices and was shocked to find a literally "fly by night" operation in which the signs on the door were handwritten on binder paper, perhaps two tables and laptop computers on the floor. When I reported this to my superiors I was outright threatened that if I should continue with this investigation or pursue ANY oversight that I would be attending those courses myself before long. I am afraid for my freedom and the safety of my family and children. I am under contract to the state and cannot even break said contract for fear of this. Almost the entirety of our golden state is now run by the equivalent of organized crime.This is the reason that unconstitutional, unjust and outright illegal laws Have been allowed, and forced, to pass. We are in the grip of the criminals that we have elected and I am guilty of this as any of you. My contract will be up soon and not only do I have no intention of renewing, I and my family are leaving the country. Should I make it that far. This is no longer the country that I was raised to believe in nor a place that I want my children to grow up in. Should I be able to before I leave I plan to release ALL of the financial records to the net and I encourage all within the state governments and especially any in the financial departments who feel as I do to do the same. As even with legal action they will not release them or if they do, it is published in such ways that make the records impossible to read as well as how much they receive in kickbacks. Even though they are blatant in such things. May God forgive us for what we have done.

I Work in the financial department of the California government in the Sacramento office The laws do not work and not only do we know it but several of our so-called bosses are proud of it. The money spent does not even go where it is intended.

In CA it costs the taxpayers OVER $1800 per unit PER MONTH for the electronic tracking units that we use. These units are LEASED at this price and they are no more complex than a cell phone transmitter with a GPS tracking chip. A similar program is happening in Texas. And the units are bad. They are badly designed as the signals drift from area to area causing several of our parolees to be violated for technical violations that they are not even responsible for. The units are so badly designed that they are even using NiCad batteries which are prone to fail with extended use. We have recently contracted a "psycho-therapy" company, "CPC Inc." claiming OVER 30 years experience in treating sex offenders and other such "criminals" in our state and others and, going over the financial records, discovered that they did not even exist thirty days ago. I went to one of their offices and was shocked to find a literally "fly by night" operation in which the signs on the door were handwritten on binder paper, perhaps two tables and laptop computers on the floor. When I reported this to my superiors I was outright threatened that if I should continue with this investigation or pursue ANY oversight that I would be attending those courses myself before long. I am afraid for my freedom and the safety of my family and children. I am under contract to the state and cannot even break said contract for fear of this. Almost the entirety of our golden state is now run by the equivalent of organized crime.

This is the reason that unconstitutional, unjust and outright illegal laws Have been allowed, and forced, to pass. We are in the grip of the criminals that we have elected and I am guilty of this as any of you. My contract will be up soon and not only do I have no intention of renewing, I and my family are leaving the country. Should I make it that far. This is no longer the country that I was raised to believe in nor a place that I want my children to grow up in. Should I be able to before I leave I plan to release ALL of the financial records to the net and I encourage all within the state governments and especially any in the financial departments who feel as I do to do the same. As even with legal action they will not release them or if they do, it is published in such ways that make the records impossible to read as well as how much they receive in kickbacks. Even though they are blatant in such things. May God forgive us for what we have done.

I am thankful someone will be blowing the whistle on California, maybe it'll start a revolution of sorts -- one that will show the truth behind the REAL reason the sex offender laws are so harsh and getting harsher by the minute. It is not to protect children as they claim but boy does it work on the sheeple! Now towns are taking it upon themselves in Texas to make bus stops somewhere a person can not live nearby! Do you know in the country how close bus stops are? It would make it impossible to live inside those towns, which is their goal. The problem I foresee is the NEXT towns OVER will then have to make the same laws because they don't want the former offenders all living there.....a vicious cycle coming our way if we don't stop it. They don't know the truth about residency restrictions. Amazing that they don't do research before passing laws!

Anonymous from California, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...wish I knew who you were and where you were going, we may end up joining you! ha!

WoW, I had no clue that there are soo many people out there going through the same emotions, fear, I could go on and on. Im a RSO also. I was 18 she 15 consential. Now I know I messed up and deserved to be punished, but now I am 30 and this fear of being still punished has never left; if anything worse because now everyone see's a 30 year with this title and not the kid I was when the offense occured. I got 5 year defered probation. Finished it with flying colors. I never had any problems while on and still to this very day. I didnt even have to go to SEX offender class's because they evaluated me saw i was not a 50 year old going after 3 year kids. They said I had an "impulse disorder" not to laugh at that, but what 18 year boy doesn't; again Im not saying I what I did was right. Im not backing up myself by saying this; she had sex with my two best friends before I finally got suckered in. She had sex with many guys older than I. Unfortunately I was a year older than my friends and was the only one the parents could get & get me they did. I live in constent fear of going to jail if I visit my mother at apartments that dont allow RSO's. No mother, my nieghbors hide from me as if I had the plague. Scared to do pretty much anything. I have become a hermit in my fathers home. I worked for UPS for 7 years & had to leave because it was 3 miles out of my county (I lived on the county Line) along with,"well what if a box was to break open and have porn in it?" WOWWW..but ok I'll do it because other option we be jail along side real sex predators and killers. I haven't swimed in any pool since 1999 ; to scared, and every time a see kids I run away so there will be no opertunity for something like a mother thinking somethings going on. Constent fear is what I have been living in for 12 years now. Can't get any good honest jobs with this only labor work outside painting, etc..

I want a career in computer science, but I dont see it happening with this on my record. Again that may be my fear talking or 12 years of living this law of 40 plus stipulations. This is also the only thing on my record which shows Im no hardend criminal, just that same scared 18 year old boy. My father has become so depressed and angry about this for soo long now his health is fadeing fast; cancer survivor but cant beat this. Cancer easier to deal with than this Lifetime toe tag of a RSO. Makes you think huh? Only my older sister mom dad know about my case; grandma is to ashamed to tell the rest of the family. I am a scared upset hermit. This law is extremely crule and unusual punishment. Along with the other words I would like to say. LoL, see just typeing this on the computer I seriously am afraid that they are watching my IP address and see what I do on the computer. Everything(I truely mean this) I do from hour to hour I am thinking about this. This year when they do the yearly check up on my home resident they came with 3 police cars and went through my cell phone my house my car? Never been that intense of a check up. My neighbors were all outside watching. Sense that day I haven't seen one of them. So I have no career,neighbors,friends, or the rest of my family anymore. Friends were able to grow up and move on while I can't even leave the county without telling them every move I make. I truely have become a scared hermit. I do my paint job then come straight home. You guys and gals are so right about how they do not look close at these cases.All it would take by a judge or the DA is one look at me, my life, my record, anything and they would see I am not a SO. All the poloygraphs and phsycologist and me clearly show who I am. A kid that made a mistake. BUT RRRRR the rest of my life!!! Sorry but I see how another RSO was talking and how a few mothers were also talking about thier kids to, along with the counseler that wrote down that there is a clear division between SEXUAL PREDATORS & YOUNG AND DUMB KIDS. Why cant they see this? I believe all ya'll when you say's its about money, thats where most of my money went. Defending myself against a system that say's Im someone that im NOTTTT. Whats next, defend myself saying Im not from another planet, or Im really a martian? Thats all this is, but the fear that comes with it has consumed myself, father, mother sister to the point of utter helplessness. Ever sense that day I have been in fear of jail fear because every year they make sure the fear is still there by anual reports to them at jail along with house visits plus leaving the county etc............ Sorry but this seemed more like a venting post of my emmotions, the next one will be more informative. I was just happy to see that finally Im not alone with this unconstitutional LAW..IT NEEDS TO CHANGE IN A BIG WAY QUICKLY before it ruins another persons life for one mistake that happened when I was just a kid to. Second chances please TEXAS.

I want a career in computer science, but I dont see it happening with this on my record. Again that may be my fear talking or 12 years of living this law of 40 plus stipulations. This is also the only thing on my record which shows Im no hardend criminal, just that same scared 18 year old boy. My father has become so depressed and angry about this for soo long now his health is fadeing fast; cancer survivor but cant beat this. Cancer easier to deal with than this Lifetime toe tag of a RSO. Makes you think huh? Only my older sister mom dad know about my case; grandma is to ashamed to tell the rest of the family. I am a scared upset hermit. This law is extremely crule and unusual punishment. Along with the other words I would like to say. LoL, see just typeing this on the computer I seriously am afraid that they are watching my IP address and see what I do on the computer. Everything(I truely mean this) I do from hour to hour I am thinking about this. This year when they do the yearly check up on my home resident they came with 3 police cars and went through my cell phone my house my car? Never been that intense of a check up. My neighbors were all outside watching. Sense that day I haven't seen one of them. So I have no career,neighbors,friends, or the rest of my family anymore. Friends were able to grow up and move on while I can't even leave the county without telling them every move I make. I truely have become a scared hermit. I do my paint job then come straight home. You guys and gals are so right about how they do not look close at these cases.All it would take by a judge or the DA is one look at me, my life, my record, anything and they would see I am not a SO. All the poloygraphs and phsycologist and me clearly show who I am. A kid that made a mistake. BUT RRRRR the rest of my life!!! Sorry but I see how another RSO was talking and how a few mothers were also talking about thier kids to, along with the counseler that wrote down that there is a clear division between SEXUAL PREDATORS & YOUNG AND DUMB KIDS. Why cant they see this? I believe all ya'll when you say's its about money, thats where most of my money went. Defending myself against a system that say's Im someone that im NOTTTT. Whats next, defend myself saying Im not from another planet, or Im really a martian? Thats all this is, but the fear that comes with it has consumed myself, father, mother sister to the point of utter helplessness. Ever sense that day I have been in fear of jail fear because every year they make sure the fear is still there by anual reports to them at jail along with house visits plus leaving the county etc............ Sorry but this seemed more like a venting post of my emmotions, the next one will be more informative. I was just happy to see that finally Im not alone with this unconstitutional LAW..IT NEEDS TO CHANGE IN A BIG WAY QUICKLY before it ruins another persons life for one mistake that happened when I was just a kid to. Second chances please TEXAS.

I’m a 24-year-old male awaiting sentencing for possession of child pornography. According to sentencing guidelines, I face 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a minimum of five years on probation after prison, and life as a registered sex offender. And after paying my debt to society, I’ll be 44-years-old and will have lost my friends, family, career, reputation, and I’ll be lucky to find a job and place to live. Meanwhile, there are people serving less than five years in prison for sexually assaulting children. I can’t help but grimace when I read about legislators promising to “get tough” on sex offenders. We don’t need to “get tough.” We need to get real. A bloated and unmaintainable sex offender registry doesn't protect children. It only serves to victimize the people who have already served their sentences and paid their dues.

I expect this is a new line of thinking since you got caught. How I wish you had learned restraint from those that came before you. I don;t know the details but for possession it is usually a 5 year sentence but you won't serve it all. There is no federal probation but the sex offender registry is very real. Due to the economy I think we will see some of the bloat taken out in TX but I don;t think you will be considered bloat for a very long time. This is in all of the papers on a daily basis. The Feds are hauling in folks right and left for CP. Do you have any suggestions on what could be done to prevent young adults such as yourself from delving into something that will destroy your life?

I read portions of your blog and you express remorse but don't see yourself as a real sex offender. I think that is a mistake in your remorse. Also tests can determine if you are attracted to children. The results can either help or hurt. I don't believe looking at CP necessarily leads to direct action. But someone hurt a child in order to make those pictures. The wisest course of action would be to start pointing out to others what takes place to make such material available right at your finger tips. The political climate is absolutely wrong for you to put yourself above other types of sex crimes. And federal prison beats the heck out of state prisons. Most of us are aware that this is happening in all walks of life but you are one that got caught. Being a bad boy in the privacy of your home doesn't always stay private. You are such an intelligent young man whose entire future was ahead of him. You had to know the consequences of such poor judgment. My hear breaks for you and your family.

Angee, chances are this young man is NOT a sex offender in the way most think of the label. How old was the "child" that he observed, 15, 16? Did he just happen on the site? Did he take one look and move on or obsessively visit such sites?Maybe you fear a teen or young adult with a slightly too young girlfriend or the young man who takes one curious look at something inappropriate or chats online with a teen or 50-year-old cop pretending to be a teen girl, but I don't think most people fear someone like that.Our limited resources should be spent policing and monitoring pedophiles and rapists, not young people doing what they have always done and will always do whether we approve or not.

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